"Baawa" To The World As YemiConga Partners Ogun Government To Float First Edition of Music Festival In Abeokuta.

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The ancient city of Abeokuta, renowned for its deep-rooted entertainment culture in Ogun State, is gearing up to host the inaugural edition of the "Baawa Music Festival" (BMF). 

As gathered by OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News correspondent during a press conference, held at Mayfair Executives in Ibara, Abeokuta on Monday, Afro-jazz artist and founder of the Baawa Music Festival (BMF), Adeyemi Adebesin, popularly known as YemiConga, officially announced the upcoming festival. 

The festival, themed: "Connecting the World to the Egba People through Music, Fashion, Arts, and Culture," highlights its aim which is to showcase the vibrant cultural heritage of the Egba people. 

With over a decade of experience in recording, live performances, and teaching African drumming and percussion across the globe, YemiConga affirmed that he is committed to leading the cultural renaissance movement.

OTN News further gathered that this groundbreaking event promises to be a celebration of music, culture, and unity, bringing together diverse talent from across Nigeria and beyond.

YemiConga explained that "Baawa" signifies a mutual understanding between two Egba individuals, symbolizing harmony and cultural exchange. 

He therefore described the festival as a modern cultural event that bridges the gap between the older and younger generations, bringing them together under one platform to celebrate their shared heritage. 

"This festival isn't a one-time event, It’s an annual celebration, designed to grow and evolve each year."

In his words, "Our goal is to highlight the richness of our culture while uniting local and international artists on the same stage." 

In addition, he explained that Baawa Music Festival (BMF) is set to feature not just local artists from Abeokuta but also musicians and entertainers from across Nigeria and the international stage. 

"Our target audience ranges from 18 to 65 years old, We want to create a space where both young adults and the older generation can come together to enjoy great music and culture, celebrating our shared heritage," YemiConga explained. 

The widely travelled entertainer observed that, "At the end of every year, many Egba people have to travel to other places to enjoy festivals with their families, that’s why I felt it was important to bring this festival home to Abeokuta, so the Egba people can have something of their own to celebrate."

Furthermore, the Director of Visual Arts at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Emmanuel Ikwe, speaking on behalf of Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Sesan Fagbayi, explained that the rationale behind the ministry's endorsement of the festival. 

He revealed that the ministry agreed to partner with the initiative and gave it approval "because the festival aligns with our mission to promote, highlight, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ogun State."

In addition, Ikwe stated that the fashion show component of the event resonates with the fact that the predominant craft of Abeokuta people of Ogun State is Adire and of course, the team intends to showcase Adire through the fashion segment of the show.

He added that," For these reasons, the Ministry has partnered with the festival organizers to ensure it stands out from other festivals typically held in the region.

The Baawa Music Festival (BMF) is scheduled to take place on November 9, 2024, at the open grounds, Abeokuta Sports Club, Oba Ademola Road, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta. 

OTN News gathered that the event will run from 11am till 10pm, offering a full day of broad spectrum entertainment and cultural celebrations.

YemiConga also revealed that the Baawa Music Festival which has already attracted headline sponsorship from front line Nigerian real estate firm, Adron Homes and other brands in Abeokuta is still open to more sponsors as well as interested exhibitors.

More information and inquiries about the Baawa Music Festival can be accessed on the official website of the BMF 2024 @ www.baawamusicfestival.com

Tags:

#entertainment, #news #pressconference

#entertainmentnews #culture #tourism #cultureandtourism #cultureandtourism

news #egba

#Abeokuta #Ogun State #baawamusicfestival2024 #ogunstateministryofcultureandtourism #ogunstategovernment #sesanfagbayi

 #yemiconga

#adeyemiadebesin

#emmanuelikwe #culturalpromotions